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Tuesday, August 11, 2015

When it comes to running a business, the last thing you need is to be inundated with junk phone calls and the number one pest is "Card Holder Services". Matter of fact, the FTC considers "Bridget from Card Holder Services" to be Enemy #1.Well, the FTC may not have solved this ongoing problem but I have found help from the customer reviews at Amazon.com. I searched online, then narrowed it down to a couple of options. I was very excited when I found the CPR Call Blocker capable of blocking 1200 (yes, 1200) numbers. Robocallers can change their number and I still can block them! I reduced the robocallers to my business line within a couple of days of adding this device. CPR Call Blocker V108 - 1200 Number Capacity - World #1 - Block Telemarketing Calls Now!(Amazon.com Affiliate Link but personal review without any payment. Just passing on a great tip!)The setup took about 15 minutes for me (some said it only took a couple of minutes in the reviews). The instructions might vary based on your phone provider and it might work just a little different for you. For some, it won't ring at all, for others like myself, it rings once. At that I can cheer that I am successful again at winning the junk calls. The first time they call, press the button and it automatically disconnects and blocks that number from calling again. I also have it programmed on our other phones if you are away from the desk (#2 to block) and using one of the other phones.

I purchased this item based on the reviews and I couldn't be happier. It works and solves the problem. Not only did it put "Bridget" on hold but any other telemarketing that I didn't sign up for or request. It can also block international, private numbers and area codes. I have blocked that fax number that has auto redial! I can't wait until the election calls next year and the opportunity to reduce those calls as well. I don't need robocalls to make a decision on my choice of candidate. Ok, I might be easily amused but after years of SPAM calls, this solution makes me incredibly happy. So take my advise, order this today. If you have Amazon Prime, it could be by your phone in a couple of days. Consider the amount of time and stress you get from running to get the phone only to hear that annoying robocall on the other end. Goodbye, Bridget andRachel!☺

Monday, June 22, 2015

Do you truly know the purpose of your website? Does it actually have value (sales, marketing, communication) or is it just a brochure with a low conversion rate (site visitors to paying customers)? Do people even know there is a website? Is it static or does it change, giving people a reason to return? Does it answer your customer's questions or do they have to contact you and wait for a response? So many questions, but only good reflection with make a beneficial website.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

I was watching a video on a page that was shared on Facebook and I must have clicked or scrolled over an advertisement on the side of this website... OOPS! This scam website popped up. Now I know that my machine is clean and I don't have any viruses. (Yes, I even double checked after this happened with my OWN software on my machine. ) Now what do you do? Is my system infected?

Most likely not but this has captured your browser. Matter of fact, it won't let you out of this page, you can't close your browser either so you need to know how to get out of it without clicking on something that might download something nasty. I'm not saying that this site will do that but I didn't click around to find out.

The best thing to do is not to click on anything on this page. Just hold down the CTL key, ALT key and DELETE keys all at the same time on your keyboard. This will allow you to access the task manager (below) of your computer. Find the name of your browser and right click on the name to "End Task" which will close down the browser. When you restart your browser it might ask if you want to restore the tabs or pages you had open which will take you back where you were with this scam page so I wouldn't do it. Just start fresh or use your history to open your other pages that need want to see and avoid the scam page.

Now that you are out of this, take the time to just make sure you didn't pick something up and run your antivirus or download something like Malwarebytes which does have a free edition and keep your system clean of any infections. ☺

From gradients to web counters, I have done them all. Take my advice and do not ask me to add these things to your website unless you are wanting a "retro" look. Except maybe drop shadows, I like drop shadows. They may have their place depending on the design.☺

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

OutMarket has put out in interesting white paper on "15 Ideas to Grow with Digital Marketing". Online marketing is not just for the big guys but is easily available for small businesses and you need to take advantage of that opportunity to level the playing field in your industry. The article provides some of the first steps in developing your online marketing plan and well worth reading.

Some small business owners want to save funds and do it themselves but you might want to consider hiring this out to an online marketing specialist so you can focus on YOUR business. Twitter, Facebook, Google Analytics and social media monitoring can monopolize your time, taking you away from running your business.

Shameless plug, McAllister Park Design can help you with your online marketing and increase your exposure online to potential clients. We will work with you as a consultant to help you develop a plan or as your regular marketing guru, your choice.